These 5 Road Trips In Rhode Island Will Lead You To Places You’ll Never Forget

While the 48 by 37 miles making up Rhode Island doesn't sound like much, the number of places to see all over the state make this an ideal place for road trips with friends and family alike. Here are five of the best road trips in Rhode Island that you can take to explore some fun and unique attractions:

1. South County

Local seafood places like Iggy's:

Harbors like Galilee and Wickford Village:

We'd have a hard time discussing the best road trips in Rhode Island without starting in South County. The dozens of choices of beaches, restaurants, and shops make this a road trip worth going back to time and time again. Follow Route 1 for historic museums, antique shops, and more. Then swing up through Narraganset on Route 1A for amazing seafood restaurants like Iggy's in Narragansett, scenic sites like the sea wall, and then end up at the Umbrella Factory for coffee and a little more antiquing.

2. Blackstone Valley

The Blackstone Valley Bike Path and other nature trails:

The Blackstone River attractions:

Follow Routes 146, or 126 from Providence through Woonsocket (and the cities and towns along the way), for amazing historic attractions, nature paths, the state's only Casino, Twin River, and other things to do in Rhode Island. Blackstone Valley was the heart of the industrial revolution and Slater Mills Historic Site is an amazing place in Pawtucket to stop in for some guided history. You can take a long bike ride along the Blackstone Valley Bike Path for sites of the river and parks and then try your luck in the evening at the casino. This is a perfect road trip without even leaving the state.

3. Block Island

Block Island Lighthouses:

National Wildlife Refuge:

Ok so your road trip might start out with parking your car on a ferry, but there are still tons of road trip attractions once you've successfully made it onto the island. Start out by exploring the town of New Shoreham and its restaurants, then drive around the island to take in amazing beaches, stop to gawk at the Mohegan Bluffs, and proceed to take selfies with lighthouses in the background. Don't forget to spend some time at the National Wildlife Refuge for some of the nation's best birdwatching.

4. Northern Rhode Island

Putnam Pike:

Rivers and Lakes:

Take a drive down Route 44 to experience some of the best of Northern Rhode Island. Pick up some fresh veggies at the many local farms on the route, stop in the town of Chepachet in Glocester for delicious restaurants, and visit the rivers and lakes for boat rentals and fishing.

5. Aquidneck Island

The Newport Cliffwalk and Mansions:

Downtown Newport:

Take a drive down Route 138 and keep going over the bridge, past Jamestown, and you'll end up on Aquidneck Island. Stop at both Newport Historical Society and the Preservation Society for guided history tours of colonial buildings and gilded age mansions, and grab a delicious dinner at the historic White Horse Tavern, the country's oldest colonial tavern in continuous operation. Don't forget to get your tickets in advance for the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals.

With scenic routes, islands, historic sites, and nature trails, the Ocean State has some of the most amazing sites in the country. Can you think of any additional best road trips in Rhode Island we may have missed? Please give us your suggestions in the comments.